MetaProp NYC, the world’s premier real estate technology nexus, announced today that Noelle Francois, Executive Director of HeatSeek, has joined the company as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). Ms. Francois will be conducting research into market demand for technology in government-owned, subsidized and affordable housing.
In working with MetaProp NYC, Ms. Francois will create a five-week study leading up to the launch of MetaProp’s 22-week Accelerator growth program (see below), which commences in September 2017.
“MetaProp Co-Founders Zach Aarons, Clelia Peters and I have always been committed to finding new ways to support affordable housing technology solutions,” said Aaron Block, Founding Partner and Managing Director, MetaProp NYC. “It’s a big part of our culture and it’s highly valued by our partners like the New York City EDC and Columbia University. Bringing on Noelle is just the latest example of how we are are supporting for profit and social entrepreneurs who use technology to solve issues across the real estate value chain.”
Prior to joining MetaProp NYC, Ms. Francois spent four years at HeatSeek, which uses technology to help tenants advocate for their right to live in apartments maintained at a safe and healthy temperature. Recognizing that innovative nonprofits must often look outside of traditional philanthropic funding streams for early support, Ms. Francois has decided to pursue a funding model that will allow the organization -- and its mission -- to sustain itself by attracting new resources for tech-enabled tenant advocacy.
“Noelle's unwavering dedication to tenant rights is inspiring and we are excited to work with her to uncover ways that PropTech can make lives better for those living in government-owned, subsidized and affordable housing,” said Leila Collins, head of the MetaProp NYC Accelerator. “I am looking forward to watching Noelle turn what we uncover into technology that can make New York City, and cities everywhere, more equitable.”
Prior to HeatSeek, Ms. Francois worked at the Center for an Urban Future as a Research Assistant. She received her master's degree in public administration from New York University and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and literary & cultural studies from the College of William and Mary.
Apply for MetaProp NYC’s 2017-18 Accelerator
The 2017-18 MetaProp Accelerator only has four openings remaining. Applications close on August 15, 2017. The companies already committed span the industry and focus on issues such as door-access, retail site selection, parking and indoor climate control. PropTech startups interested in applying for the 2017-18 Accelerator class can get further information and apply here: http://www.metaprop.org/accelerator/.
About MetaProp NYC
MetaProp NYC is the world’s premier real estate technology nexus. Based in the heart of Manhattan’s Silicon Alley, the MetaProp NYC 22-week Accelerator and 8-week Pre-Accelerator at Columbia University are the leading programs for high growth PropTech startups. Each year, up to 20 of the best technology driven real estate industry ideas are selected to participate in intensive education, mentorship and growth hacking programs, culminating in exclusive Graduation Defense panels and bi-coastal Demo Days for partners, investors, VCs and media. Founded in 2015, the accelerator boasts 100+ mentors, 10 renowned corporate partners and widespread media coverage from the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, New York Post, TechCrunch, Inman, Bisnow, Real Estate Weekly, and more. MetaProp NYC's team and strategic seed stage funds have invested in 60+ technology companies across the real estate value chain. The companies have raised more than $2 billion and employ 1,500+ people globally. MetaProp Advisors provides strategic advisory services, growth consulting, communications, event management and market research for real estate companies that are serious about innovation.
